049: F.F.F.F. 2012 - Day One

Obie O'Brien, the Head Forker, chatted with me for a few minutes and talked about his expectations for this 42nd annual event. Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic is the Original Close-Up convention having always been held on the last weekend of April. Some of the best close-up magicians in the world attend this "invitation only" event and share some of their innermost secrets with one another. This is the place where everyone feels a true brotherhood and bond with one another. Every year some special magician is selected as the "Guest of Honor" and this year is David Stone. He was featured on the cover of the April issue of "The Linking Ring".

Also sitting with me in the lobby for a few minutes was Past S.A.M. President, Bruce Kalver who talked about apps for the iPhone and iPad. I think you'll enjoy this brief opening salvo from the first evening activities at the 2012 F.F.F.F. convention.

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The 42nd Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic Has Begun

Dateline Batavia, New York, April 25, 2012 - The fun is just beginning as magicians gather from all parts of the globe to share close-up tricks and cammaraderie.

Several new things have been introduced this year including an additional room for dealers and one room just for selling the 4F regalia. There is also a cool gobo illumination of the FFFF logo on the back wall of the performance area.

Obie blew his hockey referee whistle that indicated it was time to sit down and get ready for the first lecture.

Several magicians arrived early to catch the opening night lectures. Some in attendance you can pick out include Daryl, Gene Anderson, Mike Powers, Marc DeSouza, Marv Leventhal, Harvey Berg, Gene Protas, Richard Levin and many others. And this was just on one side of the room.

Will Houstoun, from England, opened the festivities with a lecture on a couple of his books, "The Notebook" and "Hellis in Wonderland" both of which were fascinating views into the lives of 18th century magicians Will is working on his PhD in Victorian magic. He also showed us some most marvelous card and coin work.

Gyula Czili, from Hungary, gave us a dealer demo of his 2012 line of clever apparatus he has for sale at his dealer booth. I'm certain that his items sold briskly after this demo.

Then it was time to retire to the bar, lobby and hospitality room for chatting, beers and doughnuts into the wee hours of the morning.

048: Bill Wisch Talks About Slydini and More

Quintino Marucci was a world renowned magician born in Foggia, Italy. He  first took the stage name of "Tony Foolem" and eventually changed it to  "Tony Slydini" or just "Slydini". Bill Wisch was fortunate to have spent many long hours studying with Slydini. Over the years there were many who took one or more lessons but Bill was one of his long standing students. Of course Bill has many stories about Slydini and he shares many of them in this podcast such as Slydini waiting in the rain and trying to get into the wrong car, the story behind his books, Tony's relationship with Dai Vernon, and Bill looking for Tony's underwear.

Towards the end of the podcast Bill talks about his "Magic Word"...Showmanship and how it relates to M.A.G.I.C. (Mystery, Action, Gratification, Involvement and Challenge) that helps make a person memorable long beyond their years. Fascinating stuff.

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